Huddersfield vs Man City FA Cup 5th round preview (a)

Big game. But an even bigger game on Tuesday night at the Etihad with Monaco in town for the last 16 match in the Champions League 1st leg. So I don't think City will put out a strong side but I do think they will put out an ok side. A couple of first teamers, some fringe, some backup and some youngsters too. City's young lads have been training with the first team this week so I think we may see some of them, if they don't start, they will at least make the bench. For Huddersfield, they will be focusing on their season, finishing strong and gaining the play offs at least, with ambitions for getting the 2nd leg at home so finishing 3rd or 4th and even have their eyes on 2nd and automatic promotion. It is doable but a big ask. So i think Hudders will make some changes too. City lad Mooy cannot play against his parent side and that's good as he has been ace this season in West Yorkshire. I think the match will be ok, rather unpredictable. I doubt the last thing either teams want is a replay so I imagine someone will go on and win it. 

For City, if the team is full of youngsters then good luck to them. They'll play their hearts out but I won't be expecting much. I think, however, Pep will allow some fringe and backup players to feature. That could mean Bravo returning in net (great, can't Gunn have a game?). Kompany could start at last, Delph could return to the centre of the park and we might also see the return of Nolito and Navas. They need to impress with GJ being injured, a chance to impress with lots of games and cup games coming up from now until May. The biggest question, for me, is will Aguero start. I don't think he will but I understand if he does, he hasn't played a lot of games over the last month or so and we need him fresh and fit as soon as possible so he needs game time. I don't think Pep will risk him though. Not with Kelechi raring to go. He can win the game for City, he's strong, quick and good with his accuracy. He lacks judgement and passing however, so he needs a lot of support. I'm going for 2-1 City and City to scrape through. Wishful thinking I know. I think the game rests on who they both play. If Huddersfield play a team full of kids, City will win and vice versa. If they are both reserve and backup teams, it might be close. If it's a string City XI against a backup Huddersfield team, City should win and vice versa, then the game will be close and I think Huddersfield will win. If it's first XI's then I'll eat my imaginary hat as I don't see the point of both of them fielding their strongest XI, with a lot more important fixtures to come. I'll just say 2-1 City and hope it's correct. I'm being biased but I want City to have a cup run, we haven't had one since 2013 in the FA Cup, 4 years. Sort it out Peppy lad. 

Team prediction: 

Bravo-Zabaleta-Adarbioyo-Kompany-Clichy-Fernando-Garcia-Delph-Nolito-Navas-Iheanacho.